Fires destroy two homes

Separate blazes reported in region

November 5, 2012

Two homes in the region were destroyed by separate fires during the weekend. A log house in St. Nicholas burnt to the ground Friday night. A two-story home in Manistique was also totaled by a blaze Sunday morning. No injuries were reported.

A log home in Ewing Township was completely destroyed by a fire Friday evening. No one was home at the time of the fire but two family dogs did not survive the blaze.

The home of Ray and Lorinda Woodring, located at 13270 Camp 9 Road in St. Nicholas, was fully engulfed when firefighters were dispatched to the blaze at 7:20 p.m. A neighbor called in the burning structure to Marquette County 911 services, which notified Delta County 911 dispatchers.

Article Photos

Firefighters battle a fire at the home of Ray and Lorinda Woodring in St. Nicholas Friday evening. The two-story log home was a total loss but was insured. No injuries were reported. Two dogs did not survive the blaze. The fire marshal will investigate the cause of the fire. (Daily Press photo by Jenny Lancour)

Fire trucks responded from Tri Township Volunteer Fire Department, which is made up of firefighters from Maple Ridge, Turin and Ewing townships. Mutual aid was provided by Baldwin Township volunteer firefighters from Perkins who also brought fire vehicles to the scene.

Flames from the fire could be seen from Highway M-35, miles away, Friday night, commented a firefighter on his way to the emergency.

The homeowners arrived at the scene later to find their home destroyed by fire. Just a corner of their house was standing among the charred logs and other debris.

Neighbors were there to console them and offered their homes for the couple to stay in.

The two-story home was a total loss, but was insured. A pickup truck parked next to the home was also damaged. The fire marshall is expected to investigate the cause of the blaze.

On Sunday morning, a two-story home in Manistique was destroyed by a fire said to have been started by a space heater while occupants were inside, according to Manistique Public Safety. No one was injured.

Volunteer fire officers were dispatched to the scene of a home fire at 195 N. Maple St. at 5:10 a.m., stated Public Safety Director Ken Golat in a news release.

"Upon arriving at the scene, officers found that the first floor of the two-story wood home was fully involved in fire and that all of the occupants had exited safely," stated Golat.

The residence was occupied by Christian and Stacy Young and their three children, McKenzie, Cadence and Hunter Richmond. All five family members and two of their three dogs escaped the blaze. One dog died in the fire.

When officers arrived at the home, they quickly knocked down the majority of the fire and remained on the scene for several hours, extinguishing hot spots in the ceiling and floor. The structure and contents are considered to be a total loss due to the tremendous amount of heat and smoke damage, stated Golat.

Investigation into the blaze determined the blaze started in a downstairs bedroom when a space heater was knocked over and ignited clothing and bedding. Family members attempted to put out the fire but were unable to because the fire spread quickly. The family exited the home and called 911.

Firefighters cleared the scene at 8 a.m. The Schoolcraft County Chapter of the American Red Cross assisted the family.